Patsy Rodenburg presents the Actor's Bible of Shakespeare for the stage. This is one book every working actor must have.

In Speaking Shakespeare, Patsy Rodenburg tackles one of the most difficult acting jobs: speaking Shakespeare's words both as they were meant to be spoken and in an understandable and dramatic way. Rodenburg calls this "a simple manual to start the journey into the heart of Shakespeare," and that is what she gives us. With the same insight she displayed in The Actor Speaks, Rodenburg tackles the playing of all Shakespeare's characters. She uses dramatic resonance, breathing, and placement to show how an actor can bring Hamlet, Rosalind, Puck and other characters to life.

What people say:

"As a teacher of Shakespeare, I have searched for years for a text that is readable, practical, illuminating and joyful. Finally, with Speaking Shakespeare, I have found it. In the words of my students, 'I love reading this book. I feel like I'm happening on some untold secret, and every note Rodenburg gives us is a clue on how to be great'." — Janet B. Rodgers, Virginia Commonwealth University, in American Theatre

"...an excellent resource ... there are gems in this book for novices and veterans alike." — Jeff Crockett in Dramatics

"I am an enormous fan of her work. What is wonderful about her is the directness and clarity of her teaching and her enthusiasm." — Judi Dench

"Patsy Rodenburg is one of the best teachers I have known; she is a constant source of strength and inspiration." — Antony Sher

Patsy Rodenburg is Director of Voice at Royal National Theater in London and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. As a leading voice and acting coach, she works regularly with actors including Dame Judi Dench, Helen Mirren, Sir Ian McKellen, Hugh Jackman, Nicole Kidman, Mike Nichols, and Ralph Fiennes, as well as politicians and business leaders. She conducts business workshops and corporate master classes for Fortune 500 companies. She lives in London.